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Home::Multimedia
Planning the Perfect Slideshow Production
Author : Sandra Clukey
Planning the Perfect Slideshow Production
Planning is the perfect slideshow takes time and effort. But
with the help of a professional slideshow creation company the
value of your time and effort will be priceless. Whether you're
creating a wedding slideshow, reception slideshow, anniversary
slideshow, graduation slideshow, birthday slideshow, Mother's
Day or Father's Day Slideshow, Valentine's Day Slideshow,
Christmas slideshow, memorial slideshow, or a slide show for any
occasion here is a planning checklist you can follow to ensure a
priceless slideshow production keepsake.
1. Choose the length of your slideshow production.
__10 minute slideshow
__15 minute slideshow
__20 minute slideshow
__25 minute slideshow
__30 minute slideshow
__40 minute slideshow
____minute slideshow (you fill in the blank)
__It doesn't matter how long
2. Choose your timeframe.
__ Lifespan of main character/s in slideshow.
__Specific timeframe for each year. For example: Piano recitals
for the last ten years.
__Is there more than one person's life who is going to be
featured in this slideshow?
__Do you want their lives shown __separately __simultaneously
__Is the timeframe very specific such as this years summer
vacation?
___________________________________ fill in the blank for what
the timeframe is.
__________ - __________ Fill in the blanks with the specific
years or timeframes you want covered in your slideshow.
3. Questions to ask before choosing the photographs for your
slideshow.
__Is the photograph clear and not blurry? Blurry photographs
are hard to correct and the larger the image, the more blurry
the photo appears.
__Is the photograph too bright or too dark? Although some
corrections can be made here, if the photograph is too bright or
too dark, you may loose quality in the photograph.
__Is someone or something blocking the main focus of the
photograph? Unwanted objects or big heads in the way of the main
focus of the photograph detract from the photo and does not give
you the best quality slideshow.
__Is the photograph in focus? What you see is what you get -
magnified.
__ Is the photo too grainy? Grainy photos do not scan well.
__Has the photograph been cut up to use in a photograph memory
book? Cut up photos look great when done properly for memory
albums, but they work poorly for slideshows.
4. __ Organize your photos by year or by timeframe. For example
if your slideshow is going to span the lifetime of a person,
organize your photos by year. Make separate piles for each year.
5. The pictures are now organized, but I have too many. Which of
the best pictures do I choose? If the slideshow is personal and
mainly for one person you can have as many pictures as you want
and not worry about boring anyone since everyone loves to see
photographs of themselves, but if the slideshow is going to be
seen by an audience ask yourself these questions:
__ Do I have more than 2 photos of a specific category?
Example: 2 photos of little Emily in her favorite Easter dress
in 1987 is more than enough.
__Are the pictures similar enough that one can be put aside?
You do not want to bore your audience, the more variety in the
photographs, the more entertaining the slideshow will be.
__ Do you have 12 photos taken in 1987 and 4 taken in 1988? Try
to keep the years as close to even as possible.
__Are there a variety of photographs of others? If you really
want to entertain your audience, try to include pictures of them
in the slideshow. Everyone loves to see themselves light up on
the big screen! It will make them feel a part of your special
event and keep their interest peaked to see who will be showing
up next. In addition, include credits in the slide show when
applicable. Give credit to mothers, fathers, grandparents,
brothers, sisters, friends, bridal party, and anyone else to
whom credit is due.
If you still have trouble cutting down the amount of
photographs, ask for help. A mom choosing pictures of her child
tends to think every picture is worth showing - I know because
I'm a mom - but if you ask dad for help, or a close friend
you'll be amazed at how much they can cut down the amount of
photos to go in your slideshow!
6. __After choosing the photos look at them carefully and decide
whether or not you want captions with the photograph. Captions
can add to the appeal of the picture for the audience to help
them understand what is happening in that particular photo. They
can also add to the humor or sentimental value of the video. Not
every picture should have a caption; for the most part the
photos should be able to speak for themselves. Your audience may
not enjoy the slideshow as much with too many captions. However,
in certain circumstances, such as creating a slideshow for a
loved one who is away serving in the military captions can be
quite effective.
7.__ Now it's time to choose your music. Hollywood producers
will tell you that the right or wrong music can make or break a
movie production. Choose the music according to the feeling you
want to give your audience. Happy, sentimental, funny,
nostalgic.... it's all in the music. Choose music that means
something to you or the person you are creating the slideshow
for. Check the length of the music to the number of photos you
want to use and the type of slideshow you are choosing. Write
down your choices of songs, the artist and album below.
1.__________________________________________________________
2.__________________________________________________________
3.__________________________________________________________
4.__________________________________________________________
5.__________________________________________________________
8. __Choose Video Clips - Adding a couple of short video clips
to your slideshow can help break up and enhance your slideshow.
Keep your video clips short if possible. 30 seconds - 2 minutes.
Once you find the video clips you want to use, copy exactly what
you want included onto a separate video tape. Do not send the
originals in the mail.
9. __Consider using Voiceovers - This can add a sentimental
touch to any slideshow. This can be done using a video camera,
or with some digital cameras that take video. Just be sure to
tell your slideshow company that you just want to use the voice,
not the video.
10. __ View Samples, Choose Your Slideshow Company, and Place
Your Order-There are many slideshow companies to choose from, so
how do you know which one is right for you? Always view the
online samples. To narrow your search look for unique and
creative slideshows. Your memories are special and unique and
should be treated as such. Stay away from the cookie-cutter
picture after picture slideshows. Creativity and uniqueness are
key elements to any truly stunning slideshow.
11. __Back up your photos. Make sure you have copies of your
photos or the negatives. Slideshow companies are not responsible
for what happens to your photos while in the mail. And unless
you have a back-up, photos are irreplaceable.
12. __Pack your photos with care. Use proper packaging material.
Always place 5x7's or 8x10's between pieces of cardboard. Make
sure the photos and other material is packed tightly to avoid
moving around inside the box. When packaging your photos place
them in Ziploc baggies. This will protect them from any possible
water damage and also works great for separating your photos
chronologically. You should also place your discs or videos in
Ziploc baggies. And always insure your package. Although lost or
damaged mail is a rare occurrence, it's always best to be
prepared. And always opt for priority mailing services. The less
time in the mail - the better.
Your time and effort is now finished. Your slideshow company
will take care of you from here. They should be in constant
communication with you and you should have a good idea when to
expect your slideshow to be finished. Sands of Time Multimedia
Creations creates unique and creative slideshows for every
occasion. Creative anniversary slideshows, graduation
slideshows, birthday slideshows, Mother's Day or Father's Day
Slideshows, Valentine's Day Slideshows, Christmas slideshows,
memorial slideshows, the list goes on and with Sands of Time
Multimedia Creations your satisfaction is guaranteed. So visit
us today and experience the difference!
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